The Ghostbusters: Afterlife Scene That Had Fans In Tears

Resurrecting the "Ghostbusters" franchise has always been tricky business. The original films starring Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd are beloved, and the attempted reboot in 2016 had significant backlash from fans before the movie even came out (via IndieWire). Sony chose to abandon future installments due to box office losses, despite the movie's positive critics response (via ComicBook.com). 

Soon after, the franchise was given new life again when "Ghostbusters: Afterlife" was announced. This time it's not a reboot, but a direct sequel to "Ghostbusters" and "Ghostbusters II." The film follows new characters Phoebe (McKenna Grace) and Trevor (Finn Wolfhard), Egon Spengler's grandchildren who discover their family's legacy. But because of Harold Ramis' tragic passing in 2014, the film also has to contend with his significant absence.

Fans of the original films ought to be touched by the easter eggs prevalent in "Ghostbusters: Afterlife." Mr. Stay-Puft and some of the original cast members return to make the new film a nostalgia fest, and Peter Venkman (Murray) retains his sarcastic humor in the climactic showdown. But there is one particular moment that is arguably the most heartwarming for fans.

"Ghostbusters: Afterlife" is made for the fans, and the film proves this by how it honors an original character. In the final scene of the movie, Venkman (Bill Murray), Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd), and Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson) all return with their proton packs as they attempt to fight off Gozer. But they are missing the fourth member of their team, Harold Ramis' Egon Spengler, and so the streams have no effect on the deity. When Phoebe picks up the proton pack, the fourth member finally appears to help. Egon returns in ghost form to join his old friends and help pass the torch to his granddaughter. 

Many audience members erupted into tears watching this, including one specific fan on Reddit who said, "I shed several tears when he showed up to help his granddaughter, Phoebe. Thank you, Jason Reitman for honoring the legacy of the Ghostbusters and especially Harold Ramis." Another fan commented on the forum, "I whispered to myself, 'They needed a Spengler' as the tears flowed." Egon holds the proton pack and his family and friends are finally able to say goodbye to each other. After quietly reconciling with his daughter, Callie (Carrie Coon), Egon officially moves on. Not only is this a touching end for "Ghostbusters: Afterlife," but it truly honors original cast member Ramis as well.